humanism

Meanings

Plural: humanisms

Noun

• the doctrine that people's duty is to promote human welfare
• the doctrine emphasizing a person's capacity for self-realization through reason; rejects religion and the supernatural
• the cultural movement of the Renaissance; based on classical studies
• The study of the humanities or the liberal arts; literary (especially classical) scholarship.
• Specifically, a cultural and intellectual movement in 14th-16th century Europe characterised by attention to classical culture and a promotion of vernacular texts, notably during the Renaissance.
• An ethical system that centers on humans and their values, needs, interests, abilities, dignity and freedom; especially used for a secular one which rejects theistic religion and superstition.
• Humanitarianism, philanthropy.
• A theology within Unitarian Christianity that denied the divine nature of Christ and the transcendental nature of God.

Synonyms

humanitarianism, secular humanism